"Natural Beauty and Stunning History" Croatia by KristaB

Croatia Travel Guide: 12,962 reviews and 35,108 photos

Sunset over Kornati archipelago - Croatia

Croatia is diverse and beautiful. The history of this region is full of amazing stories since ancient times. Caravans of people traveling to discover new territories passed through and many left their marks and their genes here.

This is most obvious in Dalmatia - coastal region and islands. The oldest Croatian cities are Hvar (Pharos - established by Greeks from island Paros in 385/4 B.C.)) and Vis (Issa - name originates from pre-Indo-European inhabitants). Both were important ports and trade centers first for Greeks, then also for Roman Empire.

Another amazing historic discovery is Vucedol culture, it's remains were found 300 km from Zagreb, by the banks of river Danube. Archaeologists have found a pot decorated with a calendar depicting a precise astral calendar (other ancient calendars usually represent the movements of the Moon) and from this detailed graphic, and by comparing it with Sumerian, Egyptian, Indian and other ancient calendars, experts concluded that it originates from around 2600 BC and is probably the oldest European calendar.

Split - ancient walls of Diocletianus palace

You don't need to know much about history, just let yourself immerse into the atmosphere, observe amusing mixture of architectures from all eras piled up - sometimes in one wall.

Even people living in continental areas of Croatia do have a certain Mediterranean "twist" of easy going attitude, so you will hear "nema problema" being said many and probably too many times. No fuss. Relax.

Mythology and fairytales can offer a glimpse into the spirit of a nation:
Croatian Tales Of Long Ago
Look for the link to Croatian mythology.

The characters are very different from those well known Greek and Roman gods - simply because they originate from much earlier times, when the Croat tribe left the far cold North of Indo-European continent, moved through Central Asia to the region of Pamir mountain, then over Caucasus, Krim, Carpathian mountains through Panonean flatland to the area of today's Nin, Knin and Solin. Here they became dominant over Romans, Ilirians and Slavs.

They had their own writing - glagolic alphabet, which slowly vanished after conversion to Christianity.

Beach on Makarska riviera

Recent history wasn't kind to Croats, you probably know about the tragic war which killed thousands of people and devastated country's economy.
Tourism was mayor contributor to Croatian wealth, and suddenly hotels and beaches were empty, thousands of families living from tourism were left without any income for years. Even when the war was over, people were reluctant to come - it isn't a pleasant sight to observe homes ruined by grenades while driving to your holiday destination.
There are still such sad reminders of human madness scattered in some areas, but life goes on, and people are doing their best to renovate their homes.
But I still feel the damage that was done to their souls - it takes time to heal, regain trust and become optimistic about the future.

Last visit to Croatia: Dec 2003
Intro Updated Dec 17, 2004
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Reviews (27)

Dalamtia by ferry and local bus - Croatia

Dalamtia by ferry and local bus Transportation (4)

Local buses and ferry lines are cheap and conveninet way to explore Croatian coastline. They are reliable and durng peak... more travel advice

Hiking in Dalmatia Off The Beaten Path (5)

Hiking in Dalmatia during summer might be tough due to heat, I usuall do it early in the morning, sunrise can sometimes... more travel advice

Mali Ston - superb oysters farming - Croatia

Dubrovnik to Zagreb route suggestions Transportation (4)

Ferries do run before May, just on a less frequent schedule. But that would probably take too much of your time so I'll... more travel advice

The Tuber Of Passion Off The Beaten Path (5)

Truffles. Even saying that word is vibrant, nasal, exciting ... Blessed are the Croats with the abundance of Truffles... more travel advice

Sports & Outdoors (2)
See All WINDSURFING! KITESURFING!
Things to Do (8)
See All Archaeological Museum in Split
Local Customs (4)
See All KLAPA Singing Tradition

Shopping (1)
True Authentic Taste
Favorites (3)
See All History Hidden Under The Sea
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Comments (65)

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CatherineReichardt Jan 1, 2013 at 1:15 AM

What a stunning page, Krista: a great way to start off the New Year!
I once spent a few days in Split when I was Interrailing, but that was half a lifetime ago, and clearly a return visit is long overdue!
So many places, so little time ...
Wishing you and your family a peaceful, fulfilling and travel-filled New Year!
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  KristaB Jan 5, 2013 at 1:35 PM
  
  Thank you very much! I should update my native land's page, but as you mentioned - so little time ... Best wishes for a happy, healthy and prosperous 2013 to you and your family! :o)
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7_seconds Mar 15, 2012 at 12:36 PM

gladna sam nakon ovih slika... odlicno! ;)
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Roadquill Jun 12, 2011 at 12:01 AM

Nice page, K..., I guess I need to add another "go to" place on my bucket list. Warmest regards, Karl
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lmc2626 Oct 4, 2006 at 11:00 PM

yummmyyyyy.....want to eat all this recipe....wow
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Florida999 Oct 2, 2006 at 9:50 AM

What a beautiful place! I would love to visit your National Parks. Great photos too!
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diamond_skies Jun 20, 2006 at 2:59 AM

Oh - those recipes are making my mouth water! One of my favourite reasons for visiting Croatia is to eat! :o)
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karentids Jun 4, 2006 at 4:44 AM

Brilliant informative pages, thanks for sharing.Can't wait to go in September!
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luckyzen May 27, 2006 at 2:21 PM

Wonderful passion for food you have, Kristina. Thank you for sharing!
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Heavens-Mirror May 25, 2006 at 10:25 AM

Fantastic pages on Croatia. Thanks for the information. Take care, Stacey xx
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EllenH Apr 22, 2006 at 11:51 AM

Beautiful helpful pages.